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Window Dressing Wish Lists Can Make Your Dreams Come True


When I sat back and considered what type of window dressing I wanted for my newly decorated living room, I decided that I needed to be logical and not let my heart rule my head - so many times I think of wonderful ways to up-date my home, only to find out that my dreams are dashed as the things I choose aren't practical and don't really give me what I'd imagined!

Making a list is said to be the best way to consider all aspects of what you'd like and what you need; there's a distinct difference between the two, or so I thought. So with pen in hand I mused and pondered and came up with a 'wish list'. The window dressing had to be practical, functional, stylish and affordable..oh and I also needed privacy as I'm sick and tired of people staring at me - it makes me feel like a goldfish in a bowl and sometimes I just can't resist the temptation to wave, that soon sends them scurrying off!

I also read that blinds, vertical and Venetian styles in particular, had been proven to reduce the risk of being burgled; apparently because the thieves can't see inside your rooms they can't tell if anyone's home or not, they are also unable to see what quick sale (on the black market) items you have, so they tend to move on and find another poor unsuspecting household. So that's another positive added to my 'wish list'.

Colour, that's also important, I want something modern but not too garish or gaudy. Natural materials, to help ease my carbon footprint conscious a little would also be nice. With my 'wish list' growing longer I began wondering if I should start crossing things off, surely no window dressing would make my 'wish list' come true. How wrong can you be?

I discovered that dreams can come true if you choose blinds as your window dressing. I decided that blinds would tick off everything on my 'wish list', surely there must be a snag, I asked myself. But no, with the fabulous range of blinds available you can select the style, colour and design you want for any given room in your home.

Hunter Douglas Chalet Woods 
I settled for a the most gorgeous wooden blinds in a natural colour tone that compliment my furniture beautifully. They provide me with much needed privacy, although I can see out nobody can see in! My other half is quietly pleased about the security aspect, and with easy wand controls the slats can be tilted to create different diffused lighting effects (now that wasn't on my wish list), as well as being able to close the slats completely at night. There was also the added bonus of being to pull the wooden blinds to the top of the window if I wished to give me an unobstructed view outside, and of course it means I can clean the windows easily.

The next time you can't decide which type of window dressing you want make a 'wish list' - dreams can come true!

Charlotte Campbell is an interior designer with over 15 years experience in the blinds industry. She particularly loves sharing her tips on how wooden blinds can change the look and feel of any room in your home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Campbell



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The Many Types Of Shutters

Adriana Noton on February 7, 2012



Norman Woodlore Shutters
Shutters is a term to describe objects that are present in many different industries and fields. For example, optics, windows and acoustics. Though this term is very inclusive, perhaps one of the most well-known references is windows.

In acoustics, a swell shutter may be referenced. This type of shutter is simply a flap. It is made to control the air that goes through the pipes of a pipe organ. In optics, shutter may be associated with numerous things. In photography specifically, it is a part of a camera that controls exposure. It does this by regulating the amount of time and light allowed into the camera. The shutter in a movie projector interrupts light that is emitted when a film is moved to the next frame. The light cast by theatre lights is modified using what is called stage lighting shutters. This term may also be used to define the structure that is able to manipulate the pulses of light in signal lamps.

These special window coverings are stable, solid coverings. Generally they are included within a frame that has horizontal rails or vertical stiles. Solid panels, louvers, fabric, and glass are other customizable options. These window coverings are made for indoors and outdoors and are usually placed over windows, though they can be added to doors.

Installment of these structures may be done for various reasons. In some cases they are used for privacy. Other times they offer protection against weather. When indoors, they can control the amount of sunlight in a room. These may also be installed simply for design and aesthetic reasons.

In general, interior models are attached to the sides of a window and can be swung open to allow for more light or window access. There are many ways these structures can be customized. Their wood and synthetic base can be stained or painted. Louvers, both stationary and movable, may be added. Recessed, flat or raised panels are another option. To add a special mark, tinted glass or fabric inserts may be included. Plantation, California, multiple tier, full-height, single tier, cafe and traditional are common styles.

In the past, exterior models were used solely for controlling natural light, offering privacy and protecting against weather and other natural elements. Nowadays, they still may serve these purposes, in addition to adding curb appeal to a building or home. Some examples of common exterior styles: board-and-batten, PVC, hurricane, composite and non-functional. These units are made from durable products that can withstand outdoor elements, such as Honduran mahogany, Spanish cedar, teak, and other hardwoods.
In areas where hurricanes occur often, hurricane coverings or shutters are installed. These have been designed to protect homes, buildings and structures from damages related to these natural occurrences. Specifically, they are relied upon to keep windows from being broken from debris. Generally these are constructed from iron, wood, fiberglass, high-resistance plastics or aluminum.

The term shutters is inclusive of a variety of objects, in many different industries. A common reference is to the coverings used on windows, called window shutters. These units may be added outside or inside of a building to protect it, control light, offer privacy or add to design.



Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435


Bathroom Looks We're Loving: HGTV



From rustic flooring to repurposed antique vanities, experts share which bathroom looks are white-hot right now.
By Douglas Trattner

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